Ever since we first launched in Sept. 2004, we’ve gotten plenty of questions about exactly how DCist works. What started as a volunteer staff of half a dozen writers has, over the last 2 and a half years, ballooned into a collective of over 30 dedicated bloggers who do what they can in their spare time to discuss important local issues and highlight the best cultural offerings of our fine city. At one point last…
Yesterday several thousand hearty Washingtonians, DCist included, went to the Hill to demand equal voting rights. While the shortened rally was in and of itself a success, good times were also to be had at a post-march reception hosted by Sen. Joe Lieberman at the Dirksen Senate Office Building. There, a few intrepid DCists even got to chat with Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (pictured above with, from left to right, Sommer Mathis, Martin Austermuhle…
FRIDAY: >>Do you like Hall and Oates and Haddaway? Who doesn’t? The Black Cat is hosting Crap, a dance night of bad music on purpose. We advise loosening your Macarena muscles and preparing your ears for “singers” like Don Johnson, Eddie Murphy, and Bruce Willis. 10 pm, free. SATURDAY: >>There are more art openings than we can shake a sculpture at today, so check out our Arts Agenda for a rundown. >>Anything called “Underwear Party”…
It was all the way back in November that we brought news — via The Upstate Life — that Sufjan Stevens would be playing a free show at the Kennedy Center. Unfortunately, that teaser was all we had to offer; ticket details weren’t available, and the concert wasn’t until February 5. Well, it’s finally time. If you’re keen to see Sufjan — or the NSO, or the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater — get…
Written by DCist contributor Lindsay Gibson. As we mentioned earlier, a new grid of high-tech sensors meant to pinpoint gunshots is being tested in D.C. as part of a pilot program by the FBI. The sensors, which use a technology called ShotSpotter, picks up the distinct noise of gunfire and automatically alerts police to its location within a few feet. District officials credit the system with last week’s rapid arrest of a suspect after the…
Written by DCist contributor Lindsay Gibson. Just as we learn that tourists spent record dollars in the District last year, the Smithsonian Institution is lamenting a drop in attendance to their museums during the same time period. Apparently visitors willing to shell out cash are balking at the Capital’s fine free attractions. Some buildings were closed during Deluge ’06, but museum officials are primarily placing the blame on the series of crimes against tourists this…
It’s shaping up to be a beautiful day here in Washington, with a high around 70 degrees and mostly sunny skies. Here’s hoping the great weather can brighten the days of Montgomery County election officials, who are reporting that they won’t have a final count of all provisional ballots in the county until sometime next week, thanks to mistakes which forced many early morning voters to cast the paper ballots. We know the idea that…
Written by DCist contributor Lindsay Gibson. As noted by Wonkette, the FBI released it’s annual crime survey Monday and things for the District are looking grim. Or maybe not. This year’s report is a complicated read and D.C. is practically alone in having clear statistics for our city. We had 195 murders in 2005, which comes to 35.4 per 100,000 citizens. That’s actually down from 198 in 2004, but still higher per capita than all…
This post was written by DCist contributor Lindsay Gibson. Post to Employees: Meh. After the Fenty fever of this week, we were certain that our non-ironic viewing of The Today Show would at last not be interrupted by political smear campaigns. But lo, it was not to be. The Communications Workers of America are stepping up their attacks claiming The Washington Post has denied them raises for over 4 years and that they have been…